INDU I.T.

SCHOOL
SESSION 2021 - 22

ENGLISH PROJECT

HANDICRAFT , CULTURE
AND HERITAGE OF
CHHATTISGARH

SUBMITTED BY
GUIDED BY KUMAR ANJANEY RAUT
Mrs. SUPTI GUPTA CLASS ‘10’ ‘B’
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher Mrs.

Supti Gupta, who gave the golden opportunity to do this wonderful
project of “ Handicraft , Culture and Heritage of Chattisgarh” who also
helped me in completing my project. I came to know that many new
things I am really thankful to them. Secondly I would like to thank my
parents and friends who helped me a lot in finalizing this project within
the limited time frame.
PREFACE

In the preparation of this project of english on the topic “Handicraft ,

Culture and Heritage of Chattisgarh”, I have precisely demarcated all the
important points. I have made my best possible efforts to remove all the
errors. It is a great pleasure for me to thank all those valuable
suggestions that have been given to me by Mrs. Supti Gupta. I must thank
the almighty for this inspiration and guidance as well as my parents,
teachers who directed me to complete this project file
 CONTENTS
 CHHATTISGARH AND HADICRAFT
 BELL METAL (DHOKRA)
 WROUGHT IRON (LOHA SHILP)
 TERRACOTTA
 WOOD CRAFT (KASHTA SHILP)
 CHHATTISGARH CULTURE AND HERITAGE
 PANDWANI
 PANTHI
 RAUT NACHA
 TRADITIONAL DRESS OF CHHATTISGARH
 TUVAAL
 PATA
 SHAAL
 CHADDAR
 TEXTILES OF CHHATTISGARH
 KOSA SILK
 EMBROIDERY
 The striking varieties of Handicrafts in
Chhattisgarh are all the rage for its elaborate work.
A stopover to Chhattisgarh is unfinished without
picking Chhattisgarh handicraft memento.
Chhattisgarh’s handicrafts are indispensable part
of the lives of people and are also associated with
the accessibility of wealth in the state and the way
of life of the people. Chhattisgarh’s people use the
reserves of natural resources to the most

CHHATTISGARH advantageous potential. The crafts of

Chhattisgarh justly represent the legerdemain of
its artisans. Chhattisgarh is renowned for metal

HANDI CRAFT crafts, paintings and jewelry. The people of

Chhattisgarh have demonstrated their mastery in
the production of these wonderful craft items.
Amazing bamboo work, wood carvings, bell metal
handicraft, tribal jewelry, figures of terracotta, clay
pieces and paintings are some of the specialty
from Chhattisgarh. The genuine handicrafts, like
any other aspect of culture, are really compelling.
Diverse categories of handicrafts of Chhattisgarh
are:
Bell Metal (DHOKRA)
Raigarh and Bastar districts
of Chhattisgarh are admired
for crafting bell metal
handicrafts with bronze and
brass. Tribes like ‘Jharas’
of Raigarh and ‘Ghadwas’
of Bastar generally practice
this form of art, which is also
identified as Dhokra art. This
is done with hollow casting
and lost wax technique.
Wrought Iron (LOHA SHILP)
Loha Shilp or wrought iron is used to
craft dark raw forms of metal figurines
or artifacts and is another form of craft
in Chhattisgarh. The raw material used
for this craft is frequently recycled scrap
iron. Things like candle stands, lamps,
effigies of musicians, figurines, deities
and toys are the distinctive products
made of this craft.
Terracotta
Like in other states, Terracotta has found a place
in handicrafts in Chhattisgarh. Terracotta pottery
represents the customs and rituals of tribal life in
Chhattisgarh and represents their emotions
Wood Craft (KASHTA SHILP)
Another form of craft is woodcraft.
People of Chhattisgarh utilize wood for
many things. Badhais tribe is expert in
this craft.
 Chhattisgarh is rich in its cultural heritage.
The State has a very unique and vibrant
culture. There are over 35 big and small

CHHATTISGARH colourful tribes spread over the region.

Their rhythmic folk music, dances and
dramas are a treat to watch and also
CULTURE AND provide an insight into the culture of the
State. The most famous dance-drama of

HERITAGE the State is Pandwani, which is a musical

narration of the great Hindu epic
Mahabharata. Raut Nacha ( folk dance of
cowherds), the Panthi and Soowa are some
of the other famous dance styles of the
region
Pandwani
Pandwani – Chhattisgarh’s solo drama, which is also known by the people of
other countries. Tejan Bai gave a fame to Pandwani in today’s context, not
only in our country, but also in abroad.
Pandwani means Pandavwani – that is Panda Katha, a story of
Mahabharata. Pandwani is a folk ballad form performed predominantly in
Chhattisgarh. It depicts the story of the Pandavas, the leading characters in
the epic Mahabharata. It is narrated in a very lively form, almost
constructing the scenes in the minds of the audience.Traditionally a male
preserve, it has seen the inclusion of women artist in recent times.The
artists in the Pandwani narration consist of a lead artist and some
supporting singers and musicians. The lead artist narrates one episode after
another from the epic in a very forceful manner. He enacts the characters in
the scenes to produce a more realistic effect. Occasionally, he also breaks
out into a dance movement. During the performance he sings along the
rhythm produced by the ektara held in his hand. There are two styles of
narration in Pandwani; Vedamati and Kapalik. In the Vedamati style the lead
artist narrates in a simple manner by sitting on the floor throughout the
performance. The Kaplik style is livelier, where the narrator actually enacts
the scenes and characters.
Panthi
Panthi dance is given by Satnami community of Chhattisgarh. Songs related with dance depicts importance of
human life with strong spiritual messages with prime focus on omnipotent devotion. The songs convey the
spirit of renunciation of their gurus and teachings of Saints such as Kabir, Ravidas and Dadu. For Guru
Ghasidas’s panths purnima of magha month is very important because they celebrate this day as birth
anniversary of their guru. Their is a ‘Jaith khamb’ set up for the occasion and the dancers indulge with their
panthi dance. Panthi dance is known as fast stepping dance in which performers present their dance skill and
flexible movements, equipped with white dhoti, waist belt, ghungaroo. They also carry “Mridanga” and waves
themselves in parade. The prime dancer starts with the initiation of song and then the other dancers repeat
the dance in a step wise manner. The start of the song, music and dance is slow. But as the song progresses
the dance also progresses in its pace, with increasing rhythem of Mridanga. The gestures of the step are
variable with the song with group members forming human pyramid and other such complex structures in
between. Mean while the rhythem of the song is maintained and magic of panthi dance continues. Main
dancer of the group motivates others by chanting of Aaha, Aaha ….. loudly. Guru Ghasidas is also been
reverenced. Whistle is also been blowned in between the songs, which is a sign of changing steps. The
termination of song ends with the high notes. The termination of the song surprises audience with its high
level of pace and changibility of steps. The group dancers are decorated simply. Simple vest, short dhotis
upto knees and garlands on the neck , white tilak, turbon on their heads are main features of this dance
group. Excessive clothing and decoration is also not suitable for panthi dancers. With the changing time there
is a bit of change in the dresses also seen, now a days colorful shirts with jackets also been wore. ‘Mandhar’
and ‘Jhange’ are prime musical instruments but Banjo, Dholak, Tabla and Casio is also used. Panthi dance
symbolises high depth of spiritual knowledge with tsunami of emotions of Bhakti. As simple the dance is on
one side so is the attraction and entertainment on the other which makes it interesting.
Panthi is a strong weapon unleashed with a concrete but non violent message by the people rationally
discriminated by the system having ideology of dictatorship in their very nature over centuries. This dance is
traditional folk dance of Satnami community of Chhattisgarh who are the followers of Satnam panth. The
Panth was established by the Great Saint Guru Ghasidas.
Raut Nacha
Raut dance is a traditional dance of the Yadav community which is performed on
Deepawali. In this dance, the Rauts, wearing a special costume, sing and dance in
group with stick in their hands in the pathways of the village. After the
performance of dance in the house of every householder, they gives blessings to
every household by singing songs of blessings. ‘Timki’, ‘Mohri’, ‘Dafda’, ‘Dholak’,
‘Singabaja’ etc. are the main instruments of this dance. ‘Dhohas’ are sung in
between the dance. These ‘Dhohas’ are filled with devotion, policy, humor and
mythological references. Men are mainly involved in Raut dance but children also
eagerly follow them.
Generally, tribal life style is described in ‘Dhohas’, which is accompanied by
dance. Reflections of tribal philosophy and their ideal music and songs, they
mesmerize the viewer into another world. It has a variety of music. The prime
musical instruments in cultural performances are ‘Mandaar’, ‘Dhol’ and Drum.
Raut Nacha is a popular form of entertainment and accomplished drama for
seven days of the festival of Deepawali. It portrays the diverse stories of war
during Mahabharata times as dance and music in an unusual way. In addition,
verses of poet Kabir and Tulsi fill the memory of ancient times in the mind of the
prehistoric tribal communities of Chhattisgarh.
Raut dance is similar to Gopi’s dance with Lord Krishna. Songs are sung by some
members of the group, some play musical instruments and some members
dance with wearing bright and colorful clothes. Dance is usually done in groups.
The dancer carry a colored stick and metal shield in their hands and and they
wear Ghoongharoo in their vests and ankles. They respect the brave warriors in
this dance and tell about the ancient battles and the eternal victory of good over
evil. Dance represents the mythical battle between King ‘Kans’ and Lord Krishna
and celebrates victory. And in the evening, ‘Matar Madhai’ are organized in many
villages.
 Chhattisgarh is one of the popular Indian states famous
for its culture and heritage. You must have seen that the
people of this region are friendly and good. This state
has a high population of tribal people. About 27 percent
of the tribal people of this region reside in the Bastar
district. People of Chhattisgarh speak two languages.
One is the Hindi, and the other is Chhattisgarhi. Not only
this, the people of this state are hard working. They are

TRADITIONAL good at making various handicraft products. You can get

a wide variety of handicraft products from Chhattisgarh
to other Indian states. Because of the increasing number

DRESS OF of tribal groups the culture of Chhattisgarh is different

from other states. When it comes to costumes or attires,

CHHATTISGARH
you will find that these people are colorful and
passionate about vibrant colors. If you visit their villages,
you will see that women wear colorful sarees with local
ornaments. These ornaments are made from bronze.
The state is also well known for craftworks. The famous
Kosa silk and lost wax art belong to this state. It is the
tenth largest state rich in culture, heritage, and diversity.
Tuvaal
It is a piece of fabric used as a shoulder cloth by men
in Bastar. It is three feet wide and six feet long. It is
generally folded and draped on the shoulder but is
wrapped like a shawl in cold evenings. For festivals and
ceremonies, tuvaals with ornamentation are preferred.
Most often the base is off white, ornamented with aal-
dyed red yarn in extra weft to create motifs inspired
from nature.
Pata
A pata is a draped textile like a sari. The background is off-
white with aal-dyed red borders and extra weft
ornamentation. Some patas are for routine wear whereas
certain designs, placement of motifs and methods of draping
differ for ceremonial or special occasions. Usually a pata is
around–fourr meters long and one-meter-wide and is made of
low count coarse cotton yarn of 10s, 14s or 20s.
Shaal
The length and width of shaal varies but most often it is one-meter-wide and
around two meters long. Shaals meant for ceremonies or festivals are woven
with aal-dyed red yarn as the base colour and extra weft ornamentation in off-
white.
Chaddar
Like tuvaal and shaal, it is 45 inches wide and 90 inches long. Men also wear it
around the neck or like a sheet to protect themselves from heat or cold.
 Chhattisgarh is one of the 28 states of India,
located in the centre-east of the country. It is the
ninth-largest state in India. The textiles here are
woven in heavy cotton. Keeping the public

TEXTILES OF demand saris are now also being woven in finer

counts as well as combination weaving of cotton
and tussar. Traditional way of weaving on manual
CHHATTISGARH looms is followed at Bastar having motifs of birds,
lions bows, animals, arrows, huts, peacocks,
pitchers, temples and tribal flowers. These fabrics
are worn by the tribals on the auspicious of
festivals, marriages and dances.
Kosa Silk
Kosa silk is obtained from an Indian silkworm – Antheraea mylitta and is a
variety of Tussar silk. It is drawn out of cocoons which are especially grown on
specific trees known as Arjun, Saja and Sal. Kosa silk is known for its sturdiness
and is preferred to pure silk in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Known the world over for its soft texture and purity, this version of Tussar silk
is produced exclusively in India. Known for its dull golden brownish look, it is
available naturally in shades of pale golden, dark honey, orange, fawn, cream
and many more; all similar to the description of dull golden brown. From the
original color of Kosa silk which is dull gold, the finished product is dyed using
natural dyes from the palaas flower (Fire flower), the red pollen of the Rora
Flower and the deep rose red from lac and some more natural contributors.
Embroidery
The term embroidery is basically defined as the method of ornamenting a
piece of clothing with needlework; or embellishment with fanciful details. Thus
embroidery is regarded as the art of decorating textiles using a needle and
thread. Embroidery of Chhattisgarh has earned its fame because of the
versatility of creations by the artisans. The artisans of Chhattisgarh use an
array of stitches that are used to decorate the items. The most important
centres of embroidery work of Chhattisgarh are located in the Baster regions
and are admired for the creative excellence. The embroidery of Chhattisgarh is
one of the main sources of income for different other communities. Today,
even though embroidery is amongst the most traditional methods of
decorating clothes, it is still as popular. Designs may date back to ancient
times, or the modern geometric modern day designs, but all the same
embroidery continues to be one of the common ways of decorating clothes. In
fact, specialists feel that today, there is much more scope for creativity and
innovation, because of the acceptance level.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Help is taken from following sites :

Google.com
Wikipedia.com
Chhattisgarhtourist.com
CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Kumar Anjaney Raut

student of class 10 “B” has successfully
completed their project on “Handicrafts,
Culture and Heritage of Chhattisgrah” under the
guidance of “Mrs. Supti Gupta”